Rental Cars and Groceries

[DanenRox]

So excited to be here...we're very new to DVC. Contract is signed and offer is with WDW at present. Already making plans though for our visit in September. We'd love some advice though. Our September trip is typically WDW and St. Pete Beach, so we usually rent a car when we arrive at the airport. But because now we'll be at a DVC, we're thinking of taking the Magical Express in, then renting a car when we're ready to leave Disney. My initial research shows significantly higher prices for auto rental when renting within WDW. Any way around that? Second inquiry...any views on having groceries delivered to DVC prior to arrival? Tremendously expensive? Tremendously convenient? Thanks.

 

[lindanmikewolfe85]

we rent with national car rental - we pick up the car at the orlando airport & keep the car until the next day. This gives us a chance to run around to the stores & any early morning adventures that Disney Has to offer - example surfing at Typhoon Lagoon at 6:30 am. Then we return the car at the Dolphin resort & head over to a park right from there. When we head back to the airport we pick up the car at the Dolphin Hotel the night before or the morning we are leaving & are ready to go to the airport whatever time. The only thing is the National car Rental at the Dolphin is only open from 8 am to 5 0r 6 pm. you would have to check the time with them. it costs us about $38.00 each way. We use the entertainment book (cost $20 - school fund raiser) & do a 2 car upgrade. Also because you are a DVC member valet parking is free at the resorts. (Boardwalk & Beach Club anyway) I do not know anyone personally who has used the new service - we just stayed at the Boardwalk Villas & we did see a few people using the service - I do know that they pick up you luggage very early in the morning on the day you are checking out. so if you are staying in the parks for the day, you would have to leave anything you would need out of what you give to them to take. Also leaving from your home - you do not get your luggage until you check into your room - that could be 4 pm. we usually check our luggage with the Bell service when we arrive & the kids - we have older ones - are in & out of the bags a few times, getting something they forgot to take out . I would also be interested in hearing from someone who used the magical express just for future reference. Good Luck with your up coming trip. linda w